On this most glorious day the eleventh of October twenty-twelve, when the most glorious Darren Jones enjoys a birthday, we've stopped a few ordinary kids on the street... living room, rather... and asked their opinion of this most glorious daddy of theirs.
Why do you love Daddy?
A: Because he's my daddy and he's nice.
S: He likes to do things with me, he plays computer often.
D: He's a very good daddy.
P: Yes
What is something Daddy does that you like?
A: He plays D&D and lets me read Harry Potter.
S: Plays D&D with us.
D: He lets me play one of my favorite games on his smartphone.
P: Reads to me
What is something that makes Daddy happy?
A: Having healthy, obedient kids.
S: A good book from one of his favorite authors.
D: Having us kids.
P: Monster trucks
What would Daddy most like for his birthday?
A: A crucifix made of sapphires.
S: He'd probably like a new Civilizations computer game. Or some more books.
D: I think he'd really love another really nice carrot cake.
P: Spice
An ordinary wife married to Darren Jones... no, wait, that's an oxymoron, because only a very special woman would be the person who got to be married to Darren Jones... also agreed to be interviewed.
Why do you love Darren?
SJ: His blue eyes, his beard, his kindness, his kisses, and the fantastic stir-fry he makes nearly every weekend. For starters. Want me to go on?
What does Darren do that you like?
SJ: Not everything, of course. I actually could make a list of things I don't like. It would be a lot shorter than the list of things I do like. Let's do this. Let's answer this question with: Everything, except a few things not worth mentioning.
What is something that makes Darren happy?
Spreadsheets.
What would Darren really like for his birthday?
A trip to England. Failing that, a good book and a cuddly wife.
Happy birthday, oh most glorious Darren! We love you!
-- SJ, AMJ, SMJ, DMJ, PGJ
Showing posts with label Life with Darren. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life with Darren. Show all posts
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Sh&Sw 2: 1200 Calories
Darren and I are tracking our calories to get our eating under control. (It's odd, from a historical perspective, that we are so well off that we have to train ourselves to eat less.) On the one hand, it's a lot more fun working on it together. On the other hand, it's no fun whatsoever to be the female half of the team. You know how many calories Darren gets in a day? Hm, let's see... he considers 750 for lunch to be a good target. That's more than half of my entire daily allowance. Not only is life unfair, but biology is too.
In fact, for the first two weeks on myfitnesspal.com, I ended each day nearly in tears. Even with walking or running a mile or two a day, I was still overshooting my goal. And it's not like I sat around eating candy bars and doughnuts all day.
Here's what has made a difference:
1. Darren's friend Maureen, who is helping keep him on track, wrote to me that "1200 calories can be a little food or a lot of food, depending on what you eat." She suggested lots of veggies... as in, entire packages of frozen vegetables. So I took her up on it, filling up my bowl with broccoli or soybeans and adding a bit of rice or cheese or chicken to make it more interesting. It works, it really does.
2. Tracking my calories is like budgeting: it shows up where I spend the most. In my case, it's snacks. I can eat 245 for breakfast, 312 for lunch, 390 for supper... and 500 for snacks. Getting the snack section under control has made it much easier to see green numbers at the end of the day.
The scale is consistently five pounds lower than it was a month ago, which is pleasing. Darren's progress is even more remarkable, because he's been disciplined, active, and because biology isn't fair.
-- SJ
In fact, for the first two weeks on myfitnesspal.com, I ended each day nearly in tears. Even with walking or running a mile or two a day, I was still overshooting my goal. And it's not like I sat around eating candy bars and doughnuts all day.
Here's what has made a difference:
1. Darren's friend Maureen, who is helping keep him on track, wrote to me that "1200 calories can be a little food or a lot of food, depending on what you eat." She suggested lots of veggies... as in, entire packages of frozen vegetables. So I took her up on it, filling up my bowl with broccoli or soybeans and adding a bit of rice or cheese or chicken to make it more interesting. It works, it really does.
2. Tracking my calories is like budgeting: it shows up where I spend the most. In my case, it's snacks. I can eat 245 for breakfast, 312 for lunch, 390 for supper... and 500 for snacks. Getting the snack section under control has made it much easier to see green numbers at the end of the day.
The scale is consistently five pounds lower than it was a month ago, which is pleasing. Darren's progress is even more remarkable, because he's been disciplined, active, and because biology isn't fair.
-- SJ
Friday, March 16, 2012
Worship Songs
My good friend Joel Klampert recently posted a list of his top 20 worship songs. It was a response to this list from Worship Leader magazine, which has been posting lists of Top 20 recently (WL is celebrating its 20th anniversary, I believe).
Joel defined his list as "These are the songs that grip me, give me goosebumps, and bring me in Jesus presence like no other." Now, although Joel and I are friends, we have Very Different musical tastes (I have described him before as being "bleeding edge, not just cutting edge"). I recognized exactly 3 of his choices: the Kyrie from Mozart's Requiem Mass (excellent choice!), Majesty by Delirious, and Micah 6:8 by Charlie Hall (a song I very much like lyrically, but find too bangy to be really moved by).
So I thought I'd post my list of 20 worship songs that I truly love. They're in completely random order. They don't really fit the criteria that Worship Leader set out, because they're not all in the last 20 years, but these are the songs that lead me to God.
1. Revelation Song - Jennie Lee Riddle
One of the songs that Worship Leader and I agree on. I love the line "Clothed in rainbows of living color, flashes of lighting, rolls of thunder."
2. Great and Wonderful - Frank Wakeman's setting of Revelation 15:3-4 to Handel's Largo
This song still gives me goosebumps.
3. All Hail the Power - words by Edward Perronet, tune Diadem
I can still remember the first time I heard the Shiloh choir sing this song to the Diadem tune (that's the one with the really cool running bass part in the chorus). What a fantastic song.
4. Holy, Holy, Holy - Reginald Heber, John Dykes
Recently a worship leader posted on Facebook, "If you were limited to leading your congregation in only one song this Sunday, what would it be?" I voted for Holy, Holy, Holy.
5. In Christ Alone - Stuart Townend, Keith Getty
This was the song that actually got the most votes for the Facebook post I mentioned above. I agree - I think this is one of the absolute best songs written in the last 20 years. Whenever we sing it, I want to sing the last verse over and over again:
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
6. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Liturgy of St. James, translated by John M. Neale
Another song that gives me goosebumps. My favorite verse:
Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.
7. Be Unto Your Name - Lynn deShazo, Gary Sadler
When I was leading music at church, I did this song probably too many times. It's just SO good.
Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name, be unto Your name.
8. Before the Throne of God Above - Vickie Cook
One of several Sovereign Grace songs that I really enjoy. I love the ending to this one too:
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
9. I Need Not Fear - Kieran Metcalfe
This song is from Resound Worship, which has some terrific songs. Another good one is "On the Darkest Day of All."
It begins with a rousing declaration of truth:
I need not fear, though greatly I've sinned,
for I have a greater Saviour.
10. Christ is Risen - Matt Maher
This one is a great Easter song with a great pounding beat on the chorus. Go see it!
11. Crown Him With Many Crowns - Matthew Bridges, Godfrey Thring
My favorite verse of this one usually isn't sung:
Crown Him the virgin’s Son, the God incarnate born,
Whose arm those crimson trophies won which now His brow adorn;
Fruit of the mystic rose, as of that rose the stem;
The root whence mercy ever flows, the Babe of Bethlehem.
12. Holy God - Brian Doerksen
To tell the truth, I like listening to this one more than singing it. I don't find it useful for congregational use, but for personal, it's wonderful.
13. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us - Stuart Townend
Another marvelous composition from Townend.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart -
His wounds have paid my ransom.
14. Immortal, Invisible - Walter Smith
I love these lines:
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might.
15. Let Us Kneel at Calvary - Sam Hargreaves
This is another Resound song. We've done it at church as the very first song on Easter morning. It moves from "We will kneel in adoration" to "We will stand in celebration." Very excellent way to start off the celebration!
16. My Savior, My God - words by Dorothy Greenwell, much improved tune by Aaron Shust
I think this is one of the finest "updates" of an old song that's been done recently. Check it out.
17. Of the Father’s Love Begotten - Aurelius Prudentius, 5th century
A lovely Advent hymn, with a tune that's a thousand years old. I truly love this one. Unfortunately, it's not really popular with our church group; the last time I tried it, my pastor encouraged me to find something a little more accessible. Too bad.
Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!
18. The Wonderful Cross - Isaac Watts, Chris Tomlin
I think it's pretty much a given that in a top 20 worship list, there has to be a Tomlin song, right? :) And if it's combined with the greatest hymn writer of all time, even better!
19. Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) - John Newton, Chris Tomlin
I think the ending verse of this one, with its imagery of snow melting in the sun, is absolutely gorgeous.
20. Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones - John Riley, tune of "All Creatures of Our God and King"
A great song for Easter, with its chorus of Alleluias.
O friends, in gladness let us sing,
Supernal anthems echoing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One.
And that's it. Feel free to post your own list!
--DJ
Saturday, February 25, 2012
GWL Pictures
Here are pictures (see, see, Deidre!) to go along with the post below.
The indoor water park was a grand place. This doesn't show the wave pool or any of the slides.
Happy kids with some of their new Stuff: Great Wolf Lodge wolves, a dragon, and a dragon cape.
Happy Darren, who planned this getaway and had the satisfaction of watching his whole family enjoy it.
Happy Sara, so glad to be somewhere fun in February that she didn't even mind having Medusa hair the whole time, due to letting it air dry.
We offered Pip some good, nourishing, yummy lunch. Here, he thinks he's hiding as he eats the Special Vacation Cereal Lucky Charms instead.
Gearing up for "the beach," as Pip referred to it.
Happy big kids at "the beach."
The indoor water park was a grand place. This doesn't show the wave pool or any of the slides.
Happy kids with some of their new Stuff: Great Wolf Lodge wolves, a dragon, and a dragon cape.
Happy Darren, who planned this getaway and had the satisfaction of watching his whole family enjoy it.
Happy Sara, so glad to be somewhere fun in February that she didn't even mind having Medusa hair the whole time, due to letting it air dry.
We offered Pip some good, nourishing, yummy lunch. Here, he thinks he's hiding as he eats the Special Vacation Cereal Lucky Charms instead.
Gearing up for "the beach," as Pip referred to it.
Happy big kids at "the beach."
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Noisy Obedience
This is sort of a companion post to Queen of Carrots' excellent post from a few days ago.
I think that parents who understand their children and take a balanced approach to obedience find it puzzling that we young moms would stand up and trumpet that we're not for "Instant Obedience." The philosophy I'm fighting against -- and that has eaten me up with guilt since I became a mother -- is the one that says: When I speak, my child obeys. No discussion, or argument, no whining. In fact, any discussion, argument, or whines counts as disobedience, and is to be punished as such. The child must learn that my (or Darren's) word is their command. The end, amen.
You know what? That's not the kind of parents we are. It's not the kind of parents we want to be. And we aren't interested in raising children who are so cheerfully obedient that they can't express disappointment, disagreement, or just plain irritation.
So, yes, we expect our children to obey us. Yes, there are consequences when they don't. But we almost always answer the question, "Why?" Even Pip's. Sometimes I cut off the conversation with, "Because I told you so," since "Why?" can be a marvelous delay technique. Sometimes we have them obey before we explain why. But I've always encouraged my children to question my decisions for the simple reason that I am not always right.
The result is that our interactions with our children are pretty noisy. Lots of wailing on their part, sometimes shouting on our part. Embarrassing displays of emotion in public places. Arguments in church. Much more disruptive than instant obedience, much less efficient, much less pleasant to listen to. So why do we keep doing it this way?
(What was that? You asked why?)
Here are two recent examples.
#1: The older child
Darren had said that Addi could watch 45 minutes of a Barbie movie, starting at 7:15. She got distracted, so didn’t actually start the movie till 7:28. She set the timer starting then.
At 7:45, he told Addi her time was up. She showed him the timer, which still had 30 minutes on it. He thought she’d forgotten to set the timer till right then, so being generous, he said she could watch fifteen more minutes.
Oh, the world collapsed around her. She wailed that she wasn’t going to watch ANY, that it wasn’t FAIR, and ran back to her room in roaring sobs.
About ten minutes later, Addi came back out, sniffling. In an admirably controlled voice, she told Darren that he’d taken away half her time. When he inquired, she explained the situation without flinging her arms up in the air or declaring that nobody ever listened to her so why even BOTHER? Finally he understood what had happened, and gave her the time back. She happily watched 30 more minutes, turned it off as soon as the timer beeped, and was a cheery little soul for the rest of the evening.
This is exactly what Darren and I have been working toward. We want obedient children, yes; but we also want children who can come to us and tell us when we’ve made a mistake, and ask for a reconsideration. Even if they argue and wail, it’s worth it if they learn how to calm down and approach us with an explanation. And it made me very happy to see that Addi expected justice from Darren, and he gave it to her.
#2: The younger child
Darren had just gotten home from work, and he and I were in our bedroom, seizing ten minutes to talk without interruption. But even though we'd left Pip with a snack at the table, the door opened and his little blond head appeared. I told him to close the door, that we'd be out in a bit.
He hesitated. I repeated, "Phillip, close the door." Suddenly there was a clunking noise, and then the door shut. I looked: he had tossed an empty bowl inside the room.
Ah ha! He wanted more to eat, and this was the only way he could communicate it. Obviously he could stand to wait a few minutes, but at least I knew what he wanted.
In the Instant Obedience circles I've encountered, a child who obeys despite his own wants or needs is lauded. But it leaves me cold to find out that a child obeyed my command while desperately wanting to tell me something.
Some parents can enforce quiet obedience while still allowing for quiet discussion. I've tried, but it goes against my natural bent. I become harsh and unjust. Instead, I like back-and-forth conversation, and I like knowing that my children have had a chance to present their side. Sometimes it gets noisy and frustrating, but I gave up on having a perfect family nearly as soon as I had my first child.
("When you were growing up, I bet if your mama told you to do something, you did it!" My mama did a superb job of raising me. My in-laws did a marvelous job of raising Darren. I think our approach is essentially the same as theirs, and neither my mother or my mother-in-law feels it necessary to point out the differences. Besides, Mom told me when I first got married, "You'll figure out your own way of doing things. And you'll do it differently from how your mother does it, and feel guilty about it.")
We're still relatively young parents and we're still figuring out things as we go. We listen to veteran parents with great respect. If you're shaking your head and saying, "I don't get your point. Obviously you work with your children and let them discuss things," then hurray! We agree! I'm interested in what you think!
But if you're thinking that no wonder I can't get control of my kids and that you've got some really good advice along the lines of "Shut up and do as I say"... then yay! Now you understand why I'm not listening to you!
-- SJ
I think that parents who understand their children and take a balanced approach to obedience find it puzzling that we young moms would stand up and trumpet that we're not for "Instant Obedience." The philosophy I'm fighting against -- and that has eaten me up with guilt since I became a mother -- is the one that says: When I speak, my child obeys. No discussion, or argument, no whining. In fact, any discussion, argument, or whines counts as disobedience, and is to be punished as such. The child must learn that my (or Darren's) word is their command. The end, amen.
You know what? That's not the kind of parents we are. It's not the kind of parents we want to be. And we aren't interested in raising children who are so cheerfully obedient that they can't express disappointment, disagreement, or just plain irritation.
So, yes, we expect our children to obey us. Yes, there are consequences when they don't. But we almost always answer the question, "Why?" Even Pip's. Sometimes I cut off the conversation with, "Because I told you so," since "Why?" can be a marvelous delay technique. Sometimes we have them obey before we explain why. But I've always encouraged my children to question my decisions for the simple reason that I am not always right.
The result is that our interactions with our children are pretty noisy. Lots of wailing on their part, sometimes shouting on our part. Embarrassing displays of emotion in public places. Arguments in church. Much more disruptive than instant obedience, much less efficient, much less pleasant to listen to. So why do we keep doing it this way?
(What was that? You asked why?)
Here are two recent examples.
#1: The older child
Darren had said that Addi could watch 45 minutes of a Barbie movie, starting at 7:15. She got distracted, so didn’t actually start the movie till 7:28. She set the timer starting then.
At 7:45, he told Addi her time was up. She showed him the timer, which still had 30 minutes on it. He thought she’d forgotten to set the timer till right then, so being generous, he said she could watch fifteen more minutes.
Oh, the world collapsed around her. She wailed that she wasn’t going to watch ANY, that it wasn’t FAIR, and ran back to her room in roaring sobs.
About ten minutes later, Addi came back out, sniffling. In an admirably controlled voice, she told Darren that he’d taken away half her time. When he inquired, she explained the situation without flinging her arms up in the air or declaring that nobody ever listened to her so why even BOTHER? Finally he understood what had happened, and gave her the time back. She happily watched 30 more minutes, turned it off as soon as the timer beeped, and was a cheery little soul for the rest of the evening.
This is exactly what Darren and I have been working toward. We want obedient children, yes; but we also want children who can come to us and tell us when we’ve made a mistake, and ask for a reconsideration. Even if they argue and wail, it’s worth it if they learn how to calm down and approach us with an explanation. And it made me very happy to see that Addi expected justice from Darren, and he gave it to her.
#2: The younger child
Darren had just gotten home from work, and he and I were in our bedroom, seizing ten minutes to talk without interruption. But even though we'd left Pip with a snack at the table, the door opened and his little blond head appeared. I told him to close the door, that we'd be out in a bit.
He hesitated. I repeated, "Phillip, close the door." Suddenly there was a clunking noise, and then the door shut. I looked: he had tossed an empty bowl inside the room.
Ah ha! He wanted more to eat, and this was the only way he could communicate it. Obviously he could stand to wait a few minutes, but at least I knew what he wanted.
In the Instant Obedience circles I've encountered, a child who obeys despite his own wants or needs is lauded. But it leaves me cold to find out that a child obeyed my command while desperately wanting to tell me something.
Some parents can enforce quiet obedience while still allowing for quiet discussion. I've tried, but it goes against my natural bent. I become harsh and unjust. Instead, I like back-and-forth conversation, and I like knowing that my children have had a chance to present their side. Sometimes it gets noisy and frustrating, but I gave up on having a perfect family nearly as soon as I had my first child.
("When you were growing up, I bet if your mama told you to do something, you did it!" My mama did a superb job of raising me. My in-laws did a marvelous job of raising Darren. I think our approach is essentially the same as theirs, and neither my mother or my mother-in-law feels it necessary to point out the differences. Besides, Mom told me when I first got married, "You'll figure out your own way of doing things. And you'll do it differently from how your mother does it, and feel guilty about it.")
We're still relatively young parents and we're still figuring out things as we go. We listen to veteran parents with great respect. If you're shaking your head and saying, "I don't get your point. Obviously you work with your children and let them discuss things," then hurray! We agree! I'm interested in what you think!
But if you're thinking that no wonder I can't get control of my kids and that you've got some really good advice along the lines of "Shut up and do as I say"... then yay! Now you understand why I'm not listening to you!
-- SJ
Monday, January 23, 2012
Mundania 33
Today was the March for Life in D.C. Darren has attended the last four or five years, but had pretty much decided to sit this one out. Until Addi informed him last week at church that she was planning to go in with him.
So, complete with a new umbrella and backpack, she walked with Darren. She held a sign that she'd gotten from someone else ("I am the pro-life generation") and apparently thoroughly enjoyed herself. It's possible that Darren was pretty proud to have his daughter at his side.
**
Oh, right, the backpack. I mentioned the backpack on Facebook, and forty-one of you liked it. Forty-one! I was exclaiming over the number, and Addi agreed that it was a big number "... for one of your posts. I mean, I bet rock stars get forty-one Likes in an hour." Thanks for the perspective adjustment there, darling.
Here's the post that so many people Liked:
Addi needed a new backpack for her library books. I found an LL Bean one for $7. I figured we could overlook the fact that it's already monogrammed. Until we all realized that the monogram "ALB" obviously stands for "Addi's Library Bag." A happy accident that makes me smile every time I look at the backpack.
**
Pip has come a long way since his second birthday (in June) when he could say two words: Mama and Dada. Now he says quite a lot, and some of it is even understandable. Most of his conversation deals with choo-choos, for which he has a deep and abiding love. He watches me put together puzzles, and remarks that the linked pieces are "choo-choos." He also loves "twucks." He also loves starting his own Netflix shows, usually ones that deal with choo-choos and twucks.
But the single most important concept in Phillip's life is: turns. More specifically, his turn. It's his one weapon of power against three older siblings. In Pip's world, it's always "Pup's tuhn."
**
For Christmas, we got Daphne a tea set made up of real, mismatched dishes from the thrift store. It turned out to be hard to find a good time for a tea party because it is, after all, always Pip's turn to have the teapot. So most nights a week, Daphne and I have a tea party before bed. We take turns being the shopkeeper and customer in a magic tea shop, where you can get any kind of tea you think of. There's a set script, and she and I have a good time trading roles. For the record, Daddy also has tea parties with her, following the same script, but he forgets to be charmed with the experience.
**
While Darren and Addi were at the March for Life, and while it was Pip's turn at the computer, Stuart and Daphne and I held a simplified D&D campaign. As usual, I struggled to keep all the numbers in order. But Stuart didn't mind, because while I was trying to keep straight which dice scored damage and which one to use for a difficulty check, Stuart's creativity was on a joyride. "I yank off the spider's leg to use as a club!" "You can't carry around a spider's leg! Look, okay, you can have the spider's fang. It's poisonous." "Yeah! So it gives extra poison damage, right?" Or, "You've defeated the evil skeleton!" "Yeah! Awesome! I take one of its bones to use as a club!" He scored a pretty good shot on a dragon when he set an arrow on fire, attached it to a shovel, and whacked the ice dragon's underbelly with it. It's a wild ride through a labyrinth with Stuart.
Daphne participated, too. Mostly she was pleased that her character name was her birthstone, Peridot, and that she paid 50 gold pieces for a horse halfway through.
***
Darren got me some chocolate wine for my birthday (in two days). It's good.
So, complete with a new umbrella and backpack, she walked with Darren. She held a sign that she'd gotten from someone else ("I am the pro-life generation") and apparently thoroughly enjoyed herself. It's possible that Darren was pretty proud to have his daughter at his side.
**
Oh, right, the backpack. I mentioned the backpack on Facebook, and forty-one of you liked it. Forty-one! I was exclaiming over the number, and Addi agreed that it was a big number "... for one of your posts. I mean, I bet rock stars get forty-one Likes in an hour." Thanks for the perspective adjustment there, darling.
Here's the post that so many people Liked:
Addi needed a new backpack for her library books. I found an LL Bean one for $7. I figured we could overlook the fact that it's already monogrammed. Until we all realized that the monogram "ALB" obviously stands for "Addi's Library Bag." A happy accident that makes me smile every time I look at the backpack.
**
Pip has come a long way since his second birthday (in June) when he could say two words: Mama and Dada. Now he says quite a lot, and some of it is even understandable. Most of his conversation deals with choo-choos, for which he has a deep and abiding love. He watches me put together puzzles, and remarks that the linked pieces are "choo-choos." He also loves "twucks." He also loves starting his own Netflix shows, usually ones that deal with choo-choos and twucks.
But the single most important concept in Phillip's life is: turns. More specifically, his turn. It's his one weapon of power against three older siblings. In Pip's world, it's always "Pup's tuhn."
**
For Christmas, we got Daphne a tea set made up of real, mismatched dishes from the thrift store. It turned out to be hard to find a good time for a tea party because it is, after all, always Pip's turn to have the teapot. So most nights a week, Daphne and I have a tea party before bed. We take turns being the shopkeeper and customer in a magic tea shop, where you can get any kind of tea you think of. There's a set script, and she and I have a good time trading roles. For the record, Daddy also has tea parties with her, following the same script, but he forgets to be charmed with the experience.
**
While Darren and Addi were at the March for Life, and while it was Pip's turn at the computer, Stuart and Daphne and I held a simplified D&D campaign. As usual, I struggled to keep all the numbers in order. But Stuart didn't mind, because while I was trying to keep straight which dice scored damage and which one to use for a difficulty check, Stuart's creativity was on a joyride. "I yank off the spider's leg to use as a club!" "You can't carry around a spider's leg! Look, okay, you can have the spider's fang. It's poisonous." "Yeah! So it gives extra poison damage, right?" Or, "You've defeated the evil skeleton!" "Yeah! Awesome! I take one of its bones to use as a club!" He scored a pretty good shot on a dragon when he set an arrow on fire, attached it to a shovel, and whacked the ice dragon's underbelly with it. It's a wild ride through a labyrinth with Stuart.
Daphne participated, too. Mostly she was pleased that her character name was her birthstone, Peridot, and that she paid 50 gold pieces for a horse halfway through.
***
Darren got me some chocolate wine for my birthday (in two days). It's good.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
2011 in Review - DJ
Questions provided by Queen of Carrots.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Pretty much skipped my birthday, due to Sara being long-term sick and me being short-term sick.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t usually make resolutions, and I don’t remember making any specifically last year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth or get pregnant?
Not in my immediate family. Several in Sara's.
4. Did anyone close to you get married?
No one really close, although again, Sara's family and friends had some action on this front.
5. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
6. Travel?
A very fun family trip up to Maine and Nova Scotia this summer. We went by train and had a fantastic time.
Also lots of work travel, which is kind of fun for me but no fun at all for the five left at home.
7. Did you move anywhere?
No. After moving the last time (almost 10 years ago now), Sara and I decided that we didn’t ever want to move again. And that was with only one child and less than two years of marriage to accumulate stuff.
8. What was the best month?
June, with the trip North.
9. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A healthier family.
10. What date(s) from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I really can’t think of any particular dates.
11. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I did a case in California from beginning to end, and won! That was a blast.
12. What was your biggest failure?
The church that we’ve been attending for 6 years had to stop renting the space we’ve had because we aren’t growing. No, it wasn’t just my failure, but as one of two families who helped start it up, it feels bad. So now we’re meeting in a home, which I’m not at all a fan of, at least long-term.
13. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Oh, my, yes. Many, many colds for everyone; Sara’s 3 week bout with fever; Stuart was sick with a fever for about 2 or 3 weeks. It was not a nice healthy year.
14. What was the best thing you bought?
Dungeons and Dragons. We’ve had a lot of fun as a family playing together.
15. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Sara, for getting several articles published and GETTING PAID FOR THEM! Yay, Sara!
16. Whose behavior made you appalled and/or depressed?
I try to avoid being political on my blog, but I’m not sure whether I’m more appalled or depressed at the current executive and legislative branches of our federal government. Probably both words apply depending on the day.
17. Where did most of your money go?
Housing and food. Not in the bank. And regarding the money that is in the 401(k) plan, thankfully not much of it went anywhere. Flat is better than plummeting.
18. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to a worship leader conference. Winning a case.
19. What song will always remind you of 2011?
“Mean” by Taylor Swift.
20. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?
i. Hmmm. Good question. I would say probably sadder, due to the afore-mentioned church move.
ii. Thankfully, a little richer. Mostly due to Sara’s doing the budget. She’s really good at it.
21. What do you wish you'd done more of?
House repairs. I’m not at all good at them, so I tend to do what Dad and I call our “ostrich act” – just bury our heads in the sand and ignore them.
22. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating. I’m still the same weight I was last New Year’s (ok, I lost 2 whole pounds over the course of the year, but it’s basically the same).
23. How will you be spending New Year's Eve/Day?
We spent them enjoying my vacation from work. I took two whole weeks off, and that was great. And dinner with the Shaw family included homemade pasta, which is terrific.
24. What was an unexpected surprise?
Getting to go to the HSLDA National Conference for the first time in 10 years. My legal assistant leaving on short notice. The Virginia earthquake.
25. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Nope, but stayed in love with my best friend Sara. Marriage to her gets better every year.
26. What was the best concert you've been to this year?
None that I can think of, but Matt Maher is coming to this area soon, and I hope to go see him.
27. What was your favorite TV program?
Heroes, Season 1. Loved it!
28. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn't dislike this time last year?
No.
29. What was the best book you read?
I think probably Spellbound by Larry Correia. David Weber’s Out of the Dark was pretty good too.
For non-fiction, Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana. Many thanks to Will Estrada for recommending it to me.
30. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Taylor Swift.
31. What did you want and get?
A new cross necklace for Christmas. Better organized at work.
32. What did you want and not get?
A new minivan. Maybe this year?
33. What was your favorite film of this year?
X-Men:First Class and Captain America were top notch. I also really liked The Three Musketeers.
34. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 38, and I got sick. It was not a stellar birthday.
35. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More time to spend with Sara.
36. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Fashion? Ha! I don't really care enough to have a "fashion concept," I'm afraid.
37. What kept you sane?
Reading and going out for drives BY MYSELF WITH NO LITTLE VOICES TALKING TO ME.
38. What political issue stirred you the most?
The national debt crisis.
39. Who did you miss?
Sara and the kids, when I was on business travels.
40. Random Memories from 2011?
Having a great time with Addi and Stuart at Virginia’s inclusive homeschool convention. Sitting in a welfare office for 2 hours waiting for my case to be called. Driving a bright yellow car called Ferdinand, listening to Modern Scholar CDs. Our tenth annual All Saints Day party. Getting to meet with some good friends in person instead of just talking over the phone. Flying to Los Angeles and then immediately coming back, because the hearing got postponed while I was in the air. Listening to a CD of "yellow songs" that my friends the Morgans made for me to listen to while driving my yellow car.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
Pretty much skipped my birthday, due to Sara being long-term sick and me being short-term sick.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don’t usually make resolutions, and I don’t remember making any specifically last year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth or get pregnant?
Not in my immediate family. Several in Sara's.
4. Did anyone close to you get married?
No one really close, although again, Sara's family and friends had some action on this front.
5. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
6. Travel?
A very fun family trip up to Maine and Nova Scotia this summer. We went by train and had a fantastic time.
Also lots of work travel, which is kind of fun for me but no fun at all for the five left at home.
7. Did you move anywhere?
No. After moving the last time (almost 10 years ago now), Sara and I decided that we didn’t ever want to move again. And that was with only one child and less than two years of marriage to accumulate stuff.
8. What was the best month?
June, with the trip North.
9. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A healthier family.
10. What date(s) from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I really can’t think of any particular dates.
11. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I did a case in California from beginning to end, and won! That was a blast.
12. What was your biggest failure?
The church that we’ve been attending for 6 years had to stop renting the space we’ve had because we aren’t growing. No, it wasn’t just my failure, but as one of two families who helped start it up, it feels bad. So now we’re meeting in a home, which I’m not at all a fan of, at least long-term.
13. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Oh, my, yes. Many, many colds for everyone; Sara’s 3 week bout with fever; Stuart was sick with a fever for about 2 or 3 weeks. It was not a nice healthy year.
14. What was the best thing you bought?
Dungeons and Dragons. We’ve had a lot of fun as a family playing together.
15. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Sara, for getting several articles published and GETTING PAID FOR THEM! Yay, Sara!
16. Whose behavior made you appalled and/or depressed?
I try to avoid being political on my blog, but I’m not sure whether I’m more appalled or depressed at the current executive and legislative branches of our federal government. Probably both words apply depending on the day.
17. Where did most of your money go?
Housing and food. Not in the bank. And regarding the money that is in the 401(k) plan, thankfully not much of it went anywhere. Flat is better than plummeting.
18. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to a worship leader conference. Winning a case.
19. What song will always remind you of 2011?
“Mean” by Taylor Swift.
20. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
ii. richer or poorer?
i. Hmmm. Good question. I would say probably sadder, due to the afore-mentioned church move.
ii. Thankfully, a little richer. Mostly due to Sara’s doing the budget. She’s really good at it.
21. What do you wish you'd done more of?
House repairs. I’m not at all good at them, so I tend to do what Dad and I call our “ostrich act” – just bury our heads in the sand and ignore them.
22. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating. I’m still the same weight I was last New Year’s (ok, I lost 2 whole pounds over the course of the year, but it’s basically the same).
23. How will you be spending New Year's Eve/Day?
We spent them enjoying my vacation from work. I took two whole weeks off, and that was great. And dinner with the Shaw family included homemade pasta, which is terrific.
24. What was an unexpected surprise?
Getting to go to the HSLDA National Conference for the first time in 10 years. My legal assistant leaving on short notice. The Virginia earthquake.
25. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Nope, but stayed in love with my best friend Sara. Marriage to her gets better every year.
26. What was the best concert you've been to this year?
None that I can think of, but Matt Maher is coming to this area soon, and I hope to go see him.
27. What was your favorite TV program?
Heroes, Season 1. Loved it!
28. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn't dislike this time last year?
No.
29. What was the best book you read?
I think probably Spellbound by Larry Correia. David Weber’s Out of the Dark was pretty good too.
For non-fiction, Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana. Many thanks to Will Estrada for recommending it to me.
30. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Taylor Swift.
31. What did you want and get?
A new cross necklace for Christmas. Better organized at work.
32. What did you want and not get?
A new minivan. Maybe this year?
33. What was your favorite film of this year?
X-Men:First Class and Captain America were top notch. I also really liked The Three Musketeers.
34. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 38, and I got sick. It was not a stellar birthday.
35. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More time to spend with Sara.
36. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Fashion? Ha! I don't really care enough to have a "fashion concept," I'm afraid.
37. What kept you sane?
Reading and going out for drives BY MYSELF WITH NO LITTLE VOICES TALKING TO ME.
38. What political issue stirred you the most?
The national debt crisis.
39. Who did you miss?
Sara and the kids, when I was on business travels.
40. Random Memories from 2011?
Having a great time with Addi and Stuart at Virginia’s inclusive homeschool convention. Sitting in a welfare office for 2 hours waiting for my case to be called. Driving a bright yellow car called Ferdinand, listening to Modern Scholar CDs. Our tenth annual All Saints Day party. Getting to meet with some good friends in person instead of just talking over the phone. Flying to Los Angeles and then immediately coming back, because the hearing got postponed while I was in the air. Listening to a CD of "yellow songs" that my friends the Morgans made for me to listen to while driving my yellow car.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas 2011
We're sticklers for tradition, so here we're posting pictures of grinning children opening gifts. Well, to be technical about it, it's the grandparents who are the sticklers for this annual ritual. We're happy to oblige, though.
Gathered 'round the Christmas tree. This was the year that Christmas dawned on Phillip, and it was a beautiful thing.
Stuart, whose gifts now double as Fun For Daddy.
Daphne, thrilled to get a diary from Aunt Lindsay, completely oblivious to the fact that she can't write anything except her name.
Addi got a mug-decorating kit from our neighbors, the Shaws, and forgot about her other presents as she lost herself in Art. This picture also shows Addi's great change as of a week ago: she got all her long hair cut off.
Oh, Pip was all about opening presents. He got a stack of new books and (in this picture) two new cars for his Thomas Train collection.
Fun times with Playdough! Please note that while I was doing this, and Darren was helping Addi assemble one of her presents, our own gifts lay unopened under the tree. I never realized just how deeply the sacrifices of parenthood could cut.
The three older kids have formed a "snuggi club" now that they all have blankets with arms. Here they are in the pose entitled "Stockings, Before."
And Stockings, After.
Pip's godmother will be pleased to see him mastering the art of Pez.
Computers need Christmas joy, too. Right?
My favorite gift from Darren was this set of hand-made bowls. Even better, the hands that made them belong to my good friend Deidre (Pip's aforementioned godmother).
I am continually amazed at the beautiful work Deidre turns out. As you can imagine, these dishes make food taste worlds better.
This red-bearded man needed a new necklace -- the other one, like so many before it, fell under the onslaught of a toddler -- so I got him this one from an Etsy shop. It's silver with a wood inlay, and I think it's pretty snazzy.
Gifts, laughter, and joy: makes for a good celebration of the Incarnation of God. Merry Christmas, y'all.
-- SJ
Gathered 'round the Christmas tree. This was the year that Christmas dawned on Phillip, and it was a beautiful thing.
Stuart, whose gifts now double as Fun For Daddy.
Daphne, thrilled to get a diary from Aunt Lindsay, completely oblivious to the fact that she can't write anything except her name.
Addi got a mug-decorating kit from our neighbors, the Shaws, and forgot about her other presents as she lost herself in Art. This picture also shows Addi's great change as of a week ago: she got all her long hair cut off.
Oh, Pip was all about opening presents. He got a stack of new books and (in this picture) two new cars for his Thomas Train collection.
Fun times with Playdough! Please note that while I was doing this, and Darren was helping Addi assemble one of her presents, our own gifts lay unopened under the tree. I never realized just how deeply the sacrifices of parenthood could cut.
The three older kids have formed a "snuggi club" now that they all have blankets with arms. Here they are in the pose entitled "Stockings, Before."
And Stockings, After.
Pip's godmother will be pleased to see him mastering the art of Pez.
Computers need Christmas joy, too. Right?
My favorite gift from Darren was this set of hand-made bowls. Even better, the hands that made them belong to my good friend Deidre (Pip's aforementioned godmother).
I am continually amazed at the beautiful work Deidre turns out. As you can imagine, these dishes make food taste worlds better.
This red-bearded man needed a new necklace -- the other one, like so many before it, fell under the onslaught of a toddler -- so I got him this one from an Etsy shop. It's silver with a wood inlay, and I think it's pretty snazzy.Gifts, laughter, and joy: makes for a good celebration of the Incarnation of God. Merry Christmas, y'all.
-- SJ
Friday, October 21, 2011
7 Quick Takes, October 21, 2011
It's been a while, but here's a Seven Quick Takes for this week. More available at Conversion Diary.
1. Mam is here. The house is rejoicing. Sara is getting help as she recovers from 3 weeks of sickness (praise God, that seems to be gone now); the grandkids are getting a Grandma fix; and I am once again reminded that I am blessed beyond words in the mother-in-law I have.
2. Here's a funny link called "Never try to hide from the deacons." I laughed and shared this with several other deacons I know :)
3. An excellent post on worship from my mentor Joel Klampert. As a worship leader, I should probably re-read this one every week as I prepare the song set. A good reminder that worship is not how we feel, but an active focus on God and His redeeming work.
4. Addie came out to the living room last night to complain loudly that a forbidden item had somehow gotten into our house. It was a Walmart bag. She was distressed that a relic of the Evil Empire was in our pantry, among the Target bags.
5. I am going to be preaching for our church's celebration of All Saints Day on October 30. Theme: You are not alone. God's grace in Jesus Christ has saved a countless host of people with problems just like yours. (This post is mostly a warning for Sara, because it's normal for small electronics in our house to go on the blink for the week before whenever I preach.)
6. A good quote I came across in a devotional this week: "We must strive to apply the Good News to the ever-changing conditions of the world but, courageously and at all costs, we must resist the temptation to alter its content or reinterpret it in order to make it fit the spirit of the present age." John Paul the Great.
7. I got two major projects off my desk yesterday, which makes me feel much more able to enjoy this weekend. Hurray for two days off from work!
--DJ
1. Mam is here. The house is rejoicing. Sara is getting help as she recovers from 3 weeks of sickness (praise God, that seems to be gone now); the grandkids are getting a Grandma fix; and I am once again reminded that I am blessed beyond words in the mother-in-law I have.
2. Here's a funny link called "Never try to hide from the deacons." I laughed and shared this with several other deacons I know :)
3. An excellent post on worship from my mentor Joel Klampert. As a worship leader, I should probably re-read this one every week as I prepare the song set. A good reminder that worship is not how we feel, but an active focus on God and His redeeming work.
4. Addie came out to the living room last night to complain loudly that a forbidden item had somehow gotten into our house. It was a Walmart bag. She was distressed that a relic of the Evil Empire was in our pantry, among the Target bags.
5. I am going to be preaching for our church's celebration of All Saints Day on October 30. Theme: You are not alone. God's grace in Jesus Christ has saved a countless host of people with problems just like yours. (This post is mostly a warning for Sara, because it's normal for small electronics in our house to go on the blink for the week before whenever I preach.)
6. A good quote I came across in a devotional this week: "We must strive to apply the Good News to the ever-changing conditions of the world but, courageously and at all costs, we must resist the temptation to alter its content or reinterpret it in order to make it fit the spirit of the present age." John Paul the Great.
7. I got two major projects off my desk yesterday, which makes me feel much more able to enjoy this weekend. Hurray for two days off from work!
--DJ
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Mundania 32
* My life recently has been feverish. Not feverish activity, since I spend the majority of my time laid out on a mattress in the dining room. No, I've had a persistent 102-degree fever for nearly three weeks now. Just a fever: no other symptoms.
* Well, no other symptoms except that I don't want anything sweet, but I dream about eating spaghetti and potato chips for the salt. That's pretty much a symptom for me.
* Yes, I've seen a doctor. No, he can't find a definite cause. Yes, I'll be tested again for Lyme's Disease. Yes, it might be the sort of viral infection that Stuart had last February, when he had a fever for about a month.
* It's easier on the household if it's the eight-year-old son who has this fever.
* Darren is working double-shift, keeping his head above surface at work and then rushing home to keep the household running. Yes, he's a superhero, in case anybody hadn't yet figured this out (hi, New Reader!).
* Thank God for friends. They've delivered meals, cleaned the house, babysat, done bedtime duty while Darren was out of town, called to talk to the kids, and sent me texts and Facebook messages.
* And on Wednesday, my mama is coming back up to stay with us until I'm better. As in, she bought just a one-way ticket.
* On a completely different note, back before I got sick (those hazy, bygone days), I wrote this article for Recovering Grace, the website devoted to examining the teachings and effects of Bill Gothard's IBLP and ATI programs.
* Well, what do you know, it's time for a little ibuprofen. Too bad it doesn't taste like Sour Cream & Onion potato chips.
-- SJ
* Well, no other symptoms except that I don't want anything sweet, but I dream about eating spaghetti and potato chips for the salt. That's pretty much a symptom for me.
* Yes, I've seen a doctor. No, he can't find a definite cause. Yes, I'll be tested again for Lyme's Disease. Yes, it might be the sort of viral infection that Stuart had last February, when he had a fever for about a month.
* It's easier on the household if it's the eight-year-old son who has this fever.
* Darren is working double-shift, keeping his head above surface at work and then rushing home to keep the household running. Yes, he's a superhero, in case anybody hadn't yet figured this out (hi, New Reader!).
* Thank God for friends. They've delivered meals, cleaned the house, babysat, done bedtime duty while Darren was out of town, called to talk to the kids, and sent me texts and Facebook messages.
* And on Wednesday, my mama is coming back up to stay with us until I'm better. As in, she bought just a one-way ticket.
* On a completely different note, back before I got sick (those hazy, bygone days), I wrote this article for Recovering Grace, the website devoted to examining the teachings and effects of Bill Gothard's IBLP and ATI programs.
* Well, what do you know, it's time for a little ibuprofen. Too bad it doesn't taste like Sour Cream & Onion potato chips.
-- SJ
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Independence
As parents, our task is to raise our children to be self-sufficient, independent adults. And Pip says, "Getting right on it."
He decided he wanted more cinnamon toast, but no parent was available to get it. No problem! Pictured above is:
1. Buttered bread
2. A very large quantity of salt
Darren got out of the shower in time to see Phillip attempting to figure out the toaster.
So, there are a few bumps on the road to independence, but Pip will be there soon. Today, cinnamon toast -- tomorrow, the world! (Just as soon as he figures out the van.)
-- SJ
He decided he wanted more cinnamon toast, but no parent was available to get it. No problem! Pictured above is:
1. Buttered bread
2. A very large quantity of salt
Darren got out of the shower in time to see Phillip attempting to figure out the toaster.
So, there are a few bumps on the road to independence, but Pip will be there soon. Today, cinnamon toast -- tomorrow, the world! (Just as soon as he figures out the van.)
-- SJ
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The World Rejoices
Thirty-eight years ago, the world rejoiced when a dark-haired little baby boy was born.
Well, okay, not the whole world. Just a few small pockets of world in Nova Scotia and various spots in the Northeast. The lucky people.
There was a young couple in the Deep South who didn't know it was a significant day. They had no idea that one day their little girl would grow up to marry that little boy. That's because the little girl wouldn't actually exist for another three-and-a-half years. So really, this Southern family doesn't have much to do with this story at this point. But I'm writing it, so we're in here anyway.
It hasn't been the most festive anniversary/birthday season we've ever had. I've been sick for twenty-three centuries, and today Darren developed a cold. But you know something about Darren? He doesn't really complain. He sees what needs to be done, and he does it. He cherishes his sick wife. Which is why, as more pockets of the world get to know him, more people rejoice for that October day 38 years ago.
And see why I'm so anxious to get a foothold in this story, even three and a half years before I actually was anybody? Who would want to miss out on a guy like this?
Happy Birthday, DJ. Love you!!
-- SJ
Well, okay, not the whole world. Just a few small pockets of world in Nova Scotia and various spots in the Northeast. The lucky people.
There was a young couple in the Deep South who didn't know it was a significant day. They had no idea that one day their little girl would grow up to marry that little boy. That's because the little girl wouldn't actually exist for another three-and-a-half years. So really, this Southern family doesn't have much to do with this story at this point. But I'm writing it, so we're in here anyway.
It hasn't been the most festive anniversary/birthday season we've ever had. I've been sick for twenty-three centuries, and today Darren developed a cold. But you know something about Darren? He doesn't really complain. He sees what needs to be done, and he does it. He cherishes his sick wife. Which is why, as more pockets of the world get to know him, more people rejoice for that October day 38 years ago.
And see why I'm so anxious to get a foothold in this story, even three and a half years before I actually was anybody? Who would want to miss out on a guy like this?
Happy Birthday, DJ. Love you!!
-- SJ
Friday, September 30, 2011
Eleven Years - A Good Start
Eleven years ago, I married my best friend. She is still my greatest treasure. We sat in bed tonight reading emails that we had exchanged in the month before we were married, and were pleasantly surprised at how little our feelings and attitudes have changed. It is a constant joy to me to be married to Sara.
Sad
When we're
Apart or
Too busy with
Life and job and kids
To talk, but
Together
Life's a
Joy.
--DJ
Sad
When we're
Apart or
Too busy with
Life and job and kids
To talk, but
Together
Life's a
Joy.
--DJ
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Playing with Destiny
Every now and then, I like to play around with my destiny.
Nearly eleven years of marriage has shaped who I am today. If I'd married a different sort of man, I wonder, how would I be different?
Married to someone less bookish and more outdoorsy, perhaps I would be more into gardening and would possibly even spend the night in a tent. If I lived with a sports nut, I could see myself cultivating a taste for football or soccer. A man with a fiery personality could stoke my own tendency to rant and rave. If I married a man who was less romantic, I probably wouldn't miss the surprise dates and the special gifts. Pfft, right.
I play the game with Darren's life, too. With a foodie wife, he'd have long conversations about delicious meals they'd enjoyed. With a politically savvy wife, he might be involved in local elections and attend county supervisor meetings. Married to a high achieving woman who reveled in busy, crazy, colorful life, he'd crawl into his cave and never come out. So just back off, woman. He's mine.
Although it's fun to speculate, I'm pretty happy with the person I've grown into. As Elizabeth said of Darcy, in essentials I'm still very much the same; it's just that Darren has smoothed out and filled up rough places in my personality.
I was thinking of the Destiny Game today after reading this article by Debi Pearl.* The following article, written in Debi's engaging style, is yet another reason why I avoid their toxic take on life.
An excerpt:
She goes on to explain that it's the woman's job to "blend her life" into that of her man's. What she does, how she dresses, how she acts depends on what her husband needs her to be. In fact, it becomes very clear that Debi herself has no real conception of who she is apart from what she does and who her husband is. The only constant is that she "loves God." Otherwise, she is flexible, a "kaleidoscope of colors" designed to "fashion her life" into what her husband "needs her to be."
This thinking is delivered as the Biblical way to live. It's fed to young women who, in the Pearl community, have only marriage to look forward to as their calling in life. No wonder these young ladies are "unnerved by the burdens of marriage." Nothing like the prospect of losing your personhood to fill you with longing and joy!
I've had to adapt and change to live with Darren. But he's adapted and changed for me, too. I can play the Destiny Game out of curiosity, but I rest in the security that Darren married me for who I am, not for what I would do for him.
-- SJ
* I'm officially staking my flag in the anti-Pearl camp. What good they have to say isn't worth the bad theology, worse philosophy, and utter arrogance that they peddle. I've mentioned my allergy to the Pearls' child-rearing ideas before.
When accused that his methods -- touted as the only Biblical way to discipline, by the way -- led to the death of young Lydia Schatz, this was Michael Pearl's response.
Nearly eleven years of marriage has shaped who I am today. If I'd married a different sort of man, I wonder, how would I be different?
Married to someone less bookish and more outdoorsy, perhaps I would be more into gardening and would possibly even spend the night in a tent. If I lived with a sports nut, I could see myself cultivating a taste for football or soccer. A man with a fiery personality could stoke my own tendency to rant and rave. If I married a man who was less romantic, I probably wouldn't miss the surprise dates and the special gifts. Pfft, right.
I play the game with Darren's life, too. With a foodie wife, he'd have long conversations about delicious meals they'd enjoyed. With a politically savvy wife, he might be involved in local elections and attend county supervisor meetings. Married to a high achieving woman who reveled in busy, crazy, colorful life, he'd crawl into his cave and never come out. So just back off, woman. He's mine.
Although it's fun to speculate, I'm pretty happy with the person I've grown into. As Elizabeth said of Darcy, in essentials I'm still very much the same; it's just that Darren has smoothed out and filled up rough places in my personality.
I was thinking of the Destiny Game today after reading this article by Debi Pearl.* The following article, written in Debi's engaging style, is yet another reason why I avoid their toxic take on life.
An excerpt:
As Adam was created in God’s image, Eve was created in Adam’s image. God could have shaped two clay figures and breathed life into both, but he chose to take the woman from the man’s own flesh and bone. I have come to see that tiered process as very significant, making it consistent with nature that the woman should be the helper in the chain of command.
God did not create women as he did men, strongly fixed in one type or another. Being created in the image of man, we are more muted and flexible in our types.
She goes on to explain that it's the woman's job to "blend her life" into that of her man's. What she does, how she dresses, how she acts depends on what her husband needs her to be. In fact, it becomes very clear that Debi herself has no real conception of who she is apart from what she does and who her husband is. The only constant is that she "loves God." Otherwise, she is flexible, a "kaleidoscope of colors" designed to "fashion her life" into what her husband "needs her to be."
This thinking is delivered as the Biblical way to live. It's fed to young women who, in the Pearl community, have only marriage to look forward to as their calling in life. No wonder these young ladies are "unnerved by the burdens of marriage." Nothing like the prospect of losing your personhood to fill you with longing and joy!
I've had to adapt and change to live with Darren. But he's adapted and changed for me, too. I can play the Destiny Game out of curiosity, but I rest in the security that Darren married me for who I am, not for what I would do for him.
-- SJ
* I'm officially staking my flag in the anti-Pearl camp. What good they have to say isn't worth the bad theology, worse philosophy, and utter arrogance that they peddle. I've mentioned my allergy to the Pearls' child-rearing ideas before.
When accused that his methods -- touted as the only Biblical way to discipline, by the way -- led to the death of young Lydia Schatz, this was Michael Pearl's response.
Friday, August 19, 2011
7 Quick Takes, August 19, 2011
Wow, this is the 3rd 7 Quick Takes post I've done in a row. I feel almost like a blogger! --DJ
Other 7 Quick Takes here.
1. We went to Cracker Barrel on Wednesday for dinner, and for the first time in my life, I won the peg game. Hurray for me!
2. Jeremy Swanson and I were emailing comments on NPR's Top 100 Fantasy/Sci Fi list back and forth. I said I liked Animal Farm better than 1984. His comment: "All dystopias are equal, but some are more equal than others." Score for Jeremy.
3. Colds always seem to come at the most inopportune time. Like the day before we're getting to go out on an overnight date, Sara comes down with one. [insert scream here]
4. The detective class I was listening to last week was interesting, but I kept wanting more analysis. She would toss off comments like "some say" or "a few critics argue," but would never explain their arguments or the response to them.
5. On the lecturer's recommendation, I tried a mystery about an actor who solves cases. So far, I'm half way through the book and not inclined to finish, as he's spent most of his time either (a) wanting a drink; (b) drunk; or (c) hungover. He's also engaged in intimate relations with 2 different women, neither of which he's married to, and attempted another one, but was too drunk. Not exactly the type of guy I want to hang out with. The mystery is from the 1970s, a decade I associate with unpleasant literature.
6. I'm back finishing up the Aquinas lectures now, listening to the section on Ethics, which is much easier to comprehend than Metaphysics.
7. And here is a funny post about Aquinas as a young child.
That's all. Work is hectic this week.
Other 7 Quick Takes here.
1. We went to Cracker Barrel on Wednesday for dinner, and for the first time in my life, I won the peg game. Hurray for me!
2. Jeremy Swanson and I were emailing comments on NPR's Top 100 Fantasy/Sci Fi list back and forth. I said I liked Animal Farm better than 1984. His comment: "All dystopias are equal, but some are more equal than others." Score for Jeremy.
3. Colds always seem to come at the most inopportune time. Like the day before we're getting to go out on an overnight date, Sara comes down with one. [insert scream here]
4. The detective class I was listening to last week was interesting, but I kept wanting more analysis. She would toss off comments like "some say" or "a few critics argue," but would never explain their arguments or the response to them.
5. On the lecturer's recommendation, I tried a mystery about an actor who solves cases. So far, I'm half way through the book and not inclined to finish, as he's spent most of his time either (a) wanting a drink; (b) drunk; or (c) hungover. He's also engaged in intimate relations with 2 different women, neither of which he's married to, and attempted another one, but was too drunk. Not exactly the type of guy I want to hang out with. The mystery is from the 1970s, a decade I associate with unpleasant literature.
6. I'm back finishing up the Aquinas lectures now, listening to the section on Ethics, which is much easier to comprehend than Metaphysics.
7. And here is a funny post about Aquinas as a young child.
That's all. Work is hectic this week.
Friday, August 12, 2011
7 Quick Takes, August 12, 2011
This post is from Darren, not Sara. Just so everyone knows not to expect brilliant writing on the internal workings of our family :)
1. Yesterday Stuart decided to clean his room. When Stuart gets going on cleaning, he's really good and efficient at it. He even got the vacuum cleaner out on his own initiative and vacuumed the room.
Later, Sara went to use the vacuum. It didn't suck anything up. After watching her poke around it for a while in increasing frustration, Stuart commented, "Oh, sorry about vacuuming up the sock." Sure enough. There was a sock in it.
In an amazing display of restraint, Sara did not make Stuart eat the sock.
2. I am bad about working on Scripture memory, but I realized the other night when I couldn't get to sleep that I needed to start memorizing a passage. So I've started on Ephesians 2 (because I like 2:8-9 so much). Paul needed classes in how to use periods. That's my opinion, anyway.
3. Daphne has started having difficulty staying in her room when it's bedtime. She's such a people person that she hates being all by herself for the 45 minutes it takes her to fall asleep.
4. I found this post by John Wright called "Harry Potter and the Christian Magicians" fascinating. I'm not one who's particularly attracted to the occult, even though I read a lot of fantasy, but I agree with him that I don't just laugh off the idea. I did appreciate his viewpoint of modern paganism as essentially technological, rather than mystical.
5. Sara and I had a visit recently with a young person who is trying to find his place in God's will. A lot of it was just listening. After he left, Sara and I agreed that we both kept wondering if we'd said the right things, and even more importantly, whether he really heard anything that we said. I feel much more confident giving legal advice than life advice. As convoluted as the law can be, it's nothing compared to the intricacy of navigating your 20s.
6. This week I've been listening to a CD class on detective fiction. After the St. Thomas Aquinas class, this one seems pretty lightweight. There's not much analysis of the books, but it's an interesting introduction. I've picked up a couple recommendations. I was disappointed that in the lecture on police procedurals, the professor didn't mention Dell Shannon. I really enjoy her books.
7. NPR had a poll recently where people could vote for the top 10 best fantasy/science fiction books. They released the list of the top 100 this week. Here are my comments on the top 10:
1. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Yes. Absolutely.
2. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams. It should be in the top 10, but I can't stand it. Or the sequels.
3. Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card. This is one of my all-time favorites. I actually don't much like Card's other books, but this one is amazing.
4. The Dune Chronicles, by Frank Herbert. Many people noted, and I agree, that if this is just Dune, the first book, it gets high billing (in fact, I'd rate it #2 probably). But the sequels are dumb.
5. A Song Of Ice And Fire Series, by George R. R. Martin. Too grim for me, at least the first time I tried.
6. 1984, by George Orwell. See my comments to #2. Good book, glad I read it, don't plan to read it again until the kids are in high school and I read it with them.
7. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. Never read it.
8. The Foundation Trilogy, by Isaac Asimov. Definitely belongs in the top 10. See my comments on Dune - I didn't like the sequels or attempted prequels to this one at all.
9. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley. I've never read this one. Not a big fan of dystopias.
10. American Gods, by Neil Gaiman. I've never read this one either, but it's on my list now.
And that's it for today. More 7 Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.
--DJ
1. Yesterday Stuart decided to clean his room. When Stuart gets going on cleaning, he's really good and efficient at it. He even got the vacuum cleaner out on his own initiative and vacuumed the room.
Later, Sara went to use the vacuum. It didn't suck anything up. After watching her poke around it for a while in increasing frustration, Stuart commented, "Oh, sorry about vacuuming up the sock." Sure enough. There was a sock in it.
In an amazing display of restraint, Sara did not make Stuart eat the sock.
2. I am bad about working on Scripture memory, but I realized the other night when I couldn't get to sleep that I needed to start memorizing a passage. So I've started on Ephesians 2 (because I like 2:8-9 so much). Paul needed classes in how to use periods. That's my opinion, anyway.
3. Daphne has started having difficulty staying in her room when it's bedtime. She's such a people person that she hates being all by herself for the 45 minutes it takes her to fall asleep.
4. I found this post by John Wright called "Harry Potter and the Christian Magicians" fascinating. I'm not one who's particularly attracted to the occult, even though I read a lot of fantasy, but I agree with him that I don't just laugh off the idea. I did appreciate his viewpoint of modern paganism as essentially technological, rather than mystical.
5. Sara and I had a visit recently with a young person who is trying to find his place in God's will. A lot of it was just listening. After he left, Sara and I agreed that we both kept wondering if we'd said the right things, and even more importantly, whether he really heard anything that we said. I feel much more confident giving legal advice than life advice. As convoluted as the law can be, it's nothing compared to the intricacy of navigating your 20s.
6. This week I've been listening to a CD class on detective fiction. After the St. Thomas Aquinas class, this one seems pretty lightweight. There's not much analysis of the books, but it's an interesting introduction. I've picked up a couple recommendations. I was disappointed that in the lecture on police procedurals, the professor didn't mention Dell Shannon. I really enjoy her books.
7. NPR had a poll recently where people could vote for the top 10 best fantasy/science fiction books. They released the list of the top 100 this week. Here are my comments on the top 10:
1. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Yes. Absolutely.
2. The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams. It should be in the top 10, but I can't stand it. Or the sequels.
3. Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card. This is one of my all-time favorites. I actually don't much like Card's other books, but this one is amazing.
4. The Dune Chronicles, by Frank Herbert. Many people noted, and I agree, that if this is just Dune, the first book, it gets high billing (in fact, I'd rate it #2 probably). But the sequels are dumb.
5. A Song Of Ice And Fire Series, by George R. R. Martin. Too grim for me, at least the first time I tried.
6. 1984, by George Orwell. See my comments to #2. Good book, glad I read it, don't plan to read it again until the kids are in high school and I read it with them.
7. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury. Never read it.
8. The Foundation Trilogy, by Isaac Asimov. Definitely belongs in the top 10. See my comments on Dune - I didn't like the sequels or attempted prequels to this one at all.
9. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley. I've never read this one. Not a big fan of dystopias.
10. American Gods, by Neil Gaiman. I've never read this one either, but it's on my list now.
And that's it for today. More 7 Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.
--DJ
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Dating Darren
Figuring that it was about time for Darren to get some special treatment, I took him out on a Darren Date yesterday.
(The kids happily waved us away; they got to spend the evening with Vanessa, which all four of them consider an improvement on daily life. Daphne frequently expresses the wish that Vanessa would move in with us, so she could always put Daphne to bed.)
Darren always defers to what I want to do when we go out, so this time I planned things that he never gets to do because I'm the only girl he ever goes out with. First, we ate at Five Guys. They serve hamburgers. Oh, some other things too, like fries (in paper cups) and pounds of roasted peanuts. But it's mostly burgers. It's not my favorite place to eat, and I think that's partly because of the peanuts. Piles and piles of peanuts, and not a single one boiled. They're all roasted. It's such a waste of space. But Darren loves it, and I admit the burgers are good. The patties fall apart, which Darren says indicates more beef than soy product.
Then we saw Cowboys & Aliens. Darren wanted to see it, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I didn't care if I ever saw it, but I ended up enjoying it, too. I liked how they brought out all the usual Western props: grizzled country preacher (he stitches up the hero's wound and breaks the thread with his teeth); fussy bartender/doctor (wears glasses, an apron, and can't shoot a gun); cruel ranch boss who controls the town (Harrison Ford); plucky Western woman who wears a holster slung across her dress (she gets emancipated later and then wears buckskin trousers); calm and wise Native warriors; and lastly, strong and silent hero (Daniel Craig, who makes for very easy lookin' with his blue eyes and broad shoulders).
But then the story throws in advanced technology and aliens, which mixes up the tropes a little bit. The hero leaps from a galloping horse to a moving... no, not train. A low-flying spaceship. The aliens rope running... no, not cattle, but people. The cowboys and indians meet in battle... together to fight the aliens. It was fun.
It was a little scary in parts. And there were a few gaping plotholes. (Why would an alien race waste time capturing individual humans when they could just BLOW US UP?) There was some stock Hollywood theology: they just never quite get it, but they get points for effort. And the final message of the movie, as everyone is living happily in the newly-revived mining town (Old West towns can be obliterated at the beginning, but they spontaneously regenerate by the end) is clearly, "Lots of gold makes everybody good hard workers, full of integrity, and happy!" Who can dislike a promise like that?
As usual, I spend far too much time on a throwaway movie. I should have let Darren write about it. He would have had to stand blankly for a moment, because he hasn't even THOUGHT about it since we got out of the theater, and then he'd say, "It was pretty good." Which sums it up.
The date, however, was very good.
-- SJ
(The kids happily waved us away; they got to spend the evening with Vanessa, which all four of them consider an improvement on daily life. Daphne frequently expresses the wish that Vanessa would move in with us, so she could always put Daphne to bed.)
Darren always defers to what I want to do when we go out, so this time I planned things that he never gets to do because I'm the only girl he ever goes out with. First, we ate at Five Guys. They serve hamburgers. Oh, some other things too, like fries (in paper cups) and pounds of roasted peanuts. But it's mostly burgers. It's not my favorite place to eat, and I think that's partly because of the peanuts. Piles and piles of peanuts, and not a single one boiled. They're all roasted. It's such a waste of space. But Darren loves it, and I admit the burgers are good. The patties fall apart, which Darren says indicates more beef than soy product.
Then we saw Cowboys & Aliens. Darren wanted to see it, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I didn't care if I ever saw it, but I ended up enjoying it, too. I liked how they brought out all the usual Western props: grizzled country preacher (he stitches up the hero's wound and breaks the thread with his teeth); fussy bartender/doctor (wears glasses, an apron, and can't shoot a gun); cruel ranch boss who controls the town (Harrison Ford); plucky Western woman who wears a holster slung across her dress (she gets emancipated later and then wears buckskin trousers); calm and wise Native warriors; and lastly, strong and silent hero (Daniel Craig, who makes for very easy lookin' with his blue eyes and broad shoulders).But then the story throws in advanced technology and aliens, which mixes up the tropes a little bit. The hero leaps from a galloping horse to a moving... no, not train. A low-flying spaceship. The aliens rope running... no, not cattle, but people. The cowboys and indians meet in battle... together to fight the aliens. It was fun.
It was a little scary in parts. And there were a few gaping plotholes. (Why would an alien race waste time capturing individual humans when they could just BLOW US UP?) There was some stock Hollywood theology: they just never quite get it, but they get points for effort. And the final message of the movie, as everyone is living happily in the newly-revived mining town (Old West towns can be obliterated at the beginning, but they spontaneously regenerate by the end) is clearly, "Lots of gold makes everybody good hard workers, full of integrity, and happy!" Who can dislike a promise like that?
As usual, I spend far too much time on a throwaway movie. I should have let Darren write about it. He would have had to stand blankly for a moment, because he hasn't even THOUGHT about it since we got out of the theater, and then he'd say, "It was pretty good." Which sums it up.
The date, however, was very good.
-- SJ
Friday, August 05, 2011
7 Quick Takes, August 5, 2011
1. Memo to whichever part of my mind is responsible for giving me dreams when I'm stressed: Dear mind, the normal stress-dream about running through airports never finding my gate is bad enough. I do not approve of the new version where I find the gate, get on the plane -- and then it crashes. Bad subconscious!
2. Vehicle inspections are a racket.
3. Our van is now (after >$1000) fully inspected and good to go for another year.
4. Hear that, van? ANOTHER YEAR. PLEASE! BE GOOD TO US IN THIS REGARD!!
5. I've never been a fan of philosophy courses, but I found one at the local library that I'm listening to. "The Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas" by Peter Kreeft. So far it's very good - I have read several of Kreeft's books and liked them very much. I keep having to rewind sections to listen to, though; even with a good teacher, Aquinas is not easy going.
6. I love the early morning, when it's just Phillip and me up, listening to morning prayer. He's very cuddly. Until he wakes up a bit more and gets ultra-wiggly.
7. Prayer would be appreciated for my friend Jim, who is suffering from long-term illness, and Ruth, who will probably be having a premature baby today.
--DJ
Other 7 Quick Takes here.
2. Vehicle inspections are a racket.
3. Our van is now (after >$1000) fully inspected and good to go for another year.
4. Hear that, van? ANOTHER YEAR. PLEASE! BE GOOD TO US IN THIS REGARD!!
5. I've never been a fan of philosophy courses, but I found one at the local library that I'm listening to. "The Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas" by Peter Kreeft. So far it's very good - I have read several of Kreeft's books and liked them very much. I keep having to rewind sections to listen to, though; even with a good teacher, Aquinas is not easy going.
6. I love the early morning, when it's just Phillip and me up, listening to morning prayer. He's very cuddly. Until he wakes up a bit more and gets ultra-wiggly.
7. Prayer would be appreciated for my friend Jim, who is suffering from long-term illness, and Ruth, who will probably be having a premature baby today.
--DJ
Other 7 Quick Takes here.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
HP7 II: It All Ended
Darren and I both got to see Harry Potter 7 Part 2 yesterday. I've been mulling it over ever since. Darren stopped thinking about it after it was over. This is why he watches more movies than I do.
Here are some of our impressions. There are spoilers here and there if you don't know the story. It's also fairly incomprehensible if you don't know the story, although at least I didn't use terms like "squib" and "polyjuice potion."
1. We both enjoyed the movie.
1.5. (because I don't want to change subsequent numbers) I got to see it with Deidre and Tulip. Tulip had already seen it: she attended a 22-hour Harry Potter-a-thon at the theater. They watched all seven movies, leading up to the midnight release of the eighth. I don't think she's insane. I know other people who would do that. On second thought, maybe I just know several insane people.
2. The screenwriters snipped, rearranged, and changed quite a bit in the climax. It was for the better. I liked the climax in the book, but onscreen it would have fallen with an audible thud.
3. Neville. Wow. In the beginning of the story, he was short, timid, and basically comic relief. By the end, he's organizing the resistance within Hogwarts, wielding a sword, and is pretty nice to look at, too.
4. I suppose -- suppose -- it was worth going through seven and a half movies of Hermione being a shrew just to see her finally smile at Ron in this one.
5. Ron had some good ideas! Finally!
5.5. Deidre and Tulip disagreed with me over who was more attractive. They said that Harry isn't good-looking at all, but Ron was pretty hot. Whatever. However, I did concede after this movie that Ron is probably the better kisser.
6. From DJ: Griphook the goblin was a great villain. We'd forgotten his treachery so it was a nasty shock.
7. From DJ: The dragon didn't simply take off smoothly in the air: it lurched and stumbled. It looked like a real dragon.
8. Both of us teared up several times, mostly during the Snape-Lily flashbacks. Especially her death. Snape is, of course, awesome. The movie leaves you wondering why the heck Lily chose James. In the book, you get more of a sense of Snape's antisocial behavior and his deep prejudice against half-bloods.
9. The scene in the forest, when Harry uses the Resurrection stone to see James, Lily, Remus, and Sirius... well, maybe some tears there, too.
10. Hermione is too thin for her height. Her eating habits evidently didn't improve over 19 years.
10. Ginny might be Harry's one true love, but I'll bet she had to work her wedding date around Ron and Hermione.
11. One of my favorite characters is Bellatrix, and Helena Bonham Carter does her brilliantly. This time it was fun watching Bonham Carter act as Hermione acting like Bellatrix.
12. The actor playing Voldemort did a marvelous job showing how You-Know-Who becomes frailer and more desperate throughout the movie. But he never overdoes it, when Voldemort would have been all too easy to overdo.
13. I was sorry that the story required Dumbledore to appear again. I hate the way this actor (Michael Gambon, who stepped in after Richard Harris died) interprets that character, and I'm always happier when he's offscreen.
14. I mean, seriously. His Dumbledore has no vestige of humor, doesn't project an air of calm authority and concern, has none of the warmth and sparkle that Dumbledore is supposed to have. Did the director not catch onto this problem somewhere around Movie 3?
15. My favorite lines were both delivered by Professor McGonnagal (Maggie Smith lights up the screen anytime she appears). The first one, after she's activated stone knights to protect the school, with a little giggle: "I have always wanted to use that spell!" Second, speaking to Professor Flitwick, who refers to "You-Know-Who": "It's Voldemort. Use his name. He's going to kill you whatever you call him."
16. It wasn't in the book, but DJ and I both liked the Neville and Luna pairing at the end.
17. Satisfying end to a decade-long story. Yay Harry Potter!
-- SJ and DJ
Here are some of our impressions. There are spoilers here and there if you don't know the story. It's also fairly incomprehensible if you don't know the story, although at least I didn't use terms like "squib" and "polyjuice potion."
1. We both enjoyed the movie.
1.5. (because I don't want to change subsequent numbers) I got to see it with Deidre and Tulip. Tulip had already seen it: she attended a 22-hour Harry Potter-a-thon at the theater. They watched all seven movies, leading up to the midnight release of the eighth. I don't think she's insane. I know other people who would do that. On second thought, maybe I just know several insane people.
2. The screenwriters snipped, rearranged, and changed quite a bit in the climax. It was for the better. I liked the climax in the book, but onscreen it would have fallen with an audible thud.
3. Neville. Wow. In the beginning of the story, he was short, timid, and basically comic relief. By the end, he's organizing the resistance within Hogwarts, wielding a sword, and is pretty nice to look at, too.
4. I suppose -- suppose -- it was worth going through seven and a half movies of Hermione being a shrew just to see her finally smile at Ron in this one.
5. Ron had some good ideas! Finally!
5.5. Deidre and Tulip disagreed with me over who was more attractive. They said that Harry isn't good-looking at all, but Ron was pretty hot. Whatever. However, I did concede after this movie that Ron is probably the better kisser.
6. From DJ: Griphook the goblin was a great villain. We'd forgotten his treachery so it was a nasty shock.
7. From DJ: The dragon didn't simply take off smoothly in the air: it lurched and stumbled. It looked like a real dragon.
8. Both of us teared up several times, mostly during the Snape-Lily flashbacks. Especially her death. Snape is, of course, awesome. The movie leaves you wondering why the heck Lily chose James. In the book, you get more of a sense of Snape's antisocial behavior and his deep prejudice against half-bloods.
9. The scene in the forest, when Harry uses the Resurrection stone to see James, Lily, Remus, and Sirius... well, maybe some tears there, too.
10. Hermione is too thin for her height. Her eating habits evidently didn't improve over 19 years.
10. Ginny might be Harry's one true love, but I'll bet she had to work her wedding date around Ron and Hermione.
11. One of my favorite characters is Bellatrix, and Helena Bonham Carter does her brilliantly. This time it was fun watching Bonham Carter act as Hermione acting like Bellatrix.
12. The actor playing Voldemort did a marvelous job showing how You-Know-Who becomes frailer and more desperate throughout the movie. But he never overdoes it, when Voldemort would have been all too easy to overdo.
13. I was sorry that the story required Dumbledore to appear again. I hate the way this actor (Michael Gambon, who stepped in after Richard Harris died) interprets that character, and I'm always happier when he's offscreen.
14. I mean, seriously. His Dumbledore has no vestige of humor, doesn't project an air of calm authority and concern, has none of the warmth and sparkle that Dumbledore is supposed to have. Did the director not catch onto this problem somewhere around Movie 3?
15. My favorite lines were both delivered by Professor McGonnagal (Maggie Smith lights up the screen anytime she appears). The first one, after she's activated stone knights to protect the school, with a little giggle: "I have always wanted to use that spell!" Second, speaking to Professor Flitwick, who refers to "You-Know-Who": "It's Voldemort. Use his name. He's going to kill you whatever you call him."
16. It wasn't in the book, but DJ and I both liked the Neville and Luna pairing at the end.
17. Satisfying end to a decade-long story. Yay Harry Potter!
-- SJ and DJ
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Watch What You Say
I can't spell out loud, nor can I decipher words spelled aloud. But Darren and I do both have a good vocabulary.
This afternoon, I felt we needed to get out of the house. But I wanted to discuss it with Darren without the child present understanding what we were saying. It took some skill.
"How about if we..." I began. Darren turned his attention from Wizard 101 to Wife. "If we purchased sustenance from the poultry place?"
Darren paused. "The Atlanta one or the Kentucky one?"
"Atlanta. Then we could proceed to an open-air area to enjoy our repast."
"Sounds great to me!"
So we rounded up the kids, got supper at Chick-Fil-A, and ate it at a park.
-- SJ
This afternoon, I felt we needed to get out of the house. But I wanted to discuss it with Darren without the child present understanding what we were saying. It took some skill.
"How about if we..." I began. Darren turned his attention from Wizard 101 to Wife. "If we purchased sustenance from the poultry place?"
Darren paused. "The Atlanta one or the Kentucky one?"
"Atlanta. Then we could proceed to an open-air area to enjoy our repast."
"Sounds great to me!"
So we rounded up the kids, got supper at Chick-Fil-A, and ate it at a park.
-- SJ
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